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Photo by Tiffani Blade
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Reno Feldkamp (left) and Linda Milkey accept the New Avenues Award for creating opportunities for others from the Rev. Carter Garrigues-Cortelyou Friday at the Community Resource Center banquet.
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Local volunteers scored big, but it was Manchester that took the top prize Friday at the 19th annual Community Resource Center Volunteer Recognition Banquet.
Honorees were rewarded for their efforts to bring the community together and make Manchester a better place.
CRC Executive Director Chris Kanta was overwhelmed by the number of nominees this year.
"We average nine to 15, so 20 is really nice," she said. "It means a lot to have the recognition."
Even after 19 years, Kanta is still surprised to see the number of good things people are doing out of the kindness of their hearts.
"I'm really amazed by their generosity and spirit," Kanta said.
Nominators came to the podium at Chelsea Community Hospital to share stories of how the nominees selflessly dedicated time and effort to helping others. Hugs, handshakes and smiles were shared as awards were announced and pictures were taken.
Among the top winners was Marja Warner, who was nominated by the American Red Cross. Warner received the Presidential Service Award for her 25 years as a coordinator for the Manchester area.
Warner's work educating people about the importance of blood donations definitely paid off. More than 8,800 lives have been saved with her help.
Marsha Chartrand was recognized by the Manchester Board of Education for her work as the former editor of The Manchester Enterprise.
"She took her professional obligations and used them to strengthen the entire community," said Ron Ellison, school board president. "She will truly be missed."
Chartrand also took home special recognition in the Star Award.
The Service to Youth Award went to Dr. Lamont Okey for his commitment to helping children. He has been a member of the Manchester Optimist Club for 23 years, but is probably best known by youth for his Snoopy mailbox signs and the caramel apples he and his wife, Joanne, have passed out on Halloween for 25 years.
The newly created New Avenues Award for creating opportunities for others was awarded to Linda Milkey and Michael Hahn.
Also for the first time, the Claire Reck Award was given to three volunteers – Marion Ahrens, and Carl and Sharon Curtis.
Other honorees included Ken Branch, Tom Burch, Reno Feldkamp, Rick Green, Tom Hye, Brad Kendall, Sybil Kolon, Debbie Shaw, Kari Newman, Dwayne Valliencourt, Mark VanBogelen and Diane Wiedmayer.
Manchester Village President Pat Valliencourt thanked the volunteers for a job well done and "for keeping Manchester a wonderful place to live."
The banquet's "Score a touchdown for the Community" theme was celebrated with colorful football and flower centerpieces, and a silent auction, which raised money for the CRC and included many sports-related items.
The CRC expressed its gratitude to the volunteers with certificates, plaques and a variety of pins, including a "Power of One" pin that demonstrates that sometimes one can produce profound results.
"Our volunteers are literally the grease that keeps the wheels going," Kanta said.
"We've truly scored a touchdown here," she said.
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